Muir takes over as Ferguson quits Convention Bureau

The Perth Convention Bureau yesterday appointed Graham Muir as its executive chairman following the resignation of its managing director Anne-Maree Ferguson.

The news comes at a difficult time for the Bureau, charged with attracting international conferences to WA, following recent revelations about difficulties facing the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

Mr Muir has been the Bureau's chairman for the past 10 months and will assume the managing director's responsibilities for the next 14 months.

Ms Ferguson is stepping down as managing director after more than 12 years in the role.

Mr Muir said Ms Ferguson had done an outstanding job as Managing Director. "During her time at the helm of the Bureau it has become internationally recognised for its non-traditional approach to business tourism marketing," he added.

"The Bureau under her stewardship has become a member of the Western Australian Tourism Awards Hall of fame and is the only Bureau in the world to have twice won the International Congress and Convention Association's prestigious best marketing award.

"This is a great testament to her abilities as a leader not only at the Bureau but also in providing direction for the wider business tourism industry in Western Australia.

"Anne-Maree is leaving because she feels it is time to recharge her batteries and look at other opportunities. She also has a young family and plans to devote more time to her children."

In the 2005/2006 financial year, the Bureau secured convention and incentive travel business worth more than $72 million in direct delegate expenditure.

"This is an excellent return on the State Government's annual investment of just over one $1.4 million."

Mr Muir said he looked forward to the challenge of adding an executive role to his chairmanship duties.

"The Bureau is well regarded as a benchmark for similar organisations around the world and I look forward to being involved in a management capacity at an important time in the industry's development," he added.

He said the Bureau enthusiastically welcomed the review of the Perth Convention Exhibitions Centre's operations and expected to have a close involvement in this process.

"We are delighted that the Government is undertaking an independent review and look forward to a positive outcome for the centre, for the Bureau as the State's marketing's organisation, and for the people of Western Australia as taxpayers.

"I'm sure we all want the centre to be an international success, which offers considerable economic benefits for all Western Australians."